{"id":3344,"count":11,"description":"Technical shorts isn\u2019t an oxymoron\u2014there\u2019s more to shorts made for mountain biking than you\u2019d think. It starts with fit\u2014they need to be unrestrictive for pedaling, but not baggy so they get snagged on the seat when dismounting, leading to embarrassing no-speed wipeouts. That usually means stretchy material. You\u2019ll want shorts that can adjust, either because they\u2019ll naturally stretch a bit on the ride, or because your waistline changes (hopefully for the smaller) as the season progresses. Some companies opt for a hook-and-loop system, others for Velcro, and others for belt loops. I prefer belt loops, but some find them cumbersome while pedaling. <\/span>\r\n\r\nOur range of models mostly fell into the tweener spot of general use shorts\u2014made to ride both cross country and downhill. That means medium-length hems and medium weight materials. Shorter hems and lighter materials are less restrictive and more breathable, but less protective and a little dorky looking. The exceptions were the racer-inspired Gore C5 shorts and the downhill oriented Norrona Fjora Flex 1. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe standout in this year\u2019s test was the Norrona Fjora Flex1 due to its wide range of intelligent features and smart fit. Though it\u2019s a short oriented towards downhill riding, it was well-designed enough not to be restrictive or too hot for general use.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe test team\u2014mostly engineers from Jackson Hole\u2014rode the sorts on cross country trails in Jackson and Flagstaff, Arizona, and on the more technical (and prickly) trails of Sedona and Moab in the spring of 2018. Temps ranged from the high 40s at the beginning of some rides to the high 80s. For better or for worse, there weren\u2019t many wipe-outs to test durability (GI don\u2019t pay nearly enough for that.)<\/span>\r\n\r\nOne difference between this year\u2019s test and last year\u2019s is that we only tested shorts this year. Last year\u2019s test included a few models that came with bibs or liners specifically designed for that short. Shorts only is a better apples-to-apples test where price is concerned.<\/span>","link":"https:\/\/gearinstitute.com\/biking\/bike-shorts-and-bibs\/mountain-bike-shorts-for-men\/","name":"Mountain Bike Shorts for Men","slug":"mountain-bike-shorts-for-men","taxonomy":"category","parent":3331,"meta":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThe Best Mountain Bike Shorts for Men | Reviews and Buying Advice | Gear Institute<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Our experts extensively field-tested the best Mountain Bike Shorts for Men of the year and rated the best based on transparent, objective criteria. 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